While her journal concentrates on her efforts to teach weaving, carving, metal work, pottery, carpentry, basket weaving, and her best known accomplishment, the hooked mats that have become famous for their strong designs and meticulous craftsmanship, she also describes the local people and customs of St Anthony and life in the household of the Grenfell workers. After she left Newfoundland, Luther became one of the pioneers of occupational therapy in the United States, spending the rest of her professional life as director of occupational therapy at the Butler Hospital in Providence, Rhode...

Dr Harry Paddon's memoir is an extensive account of life in Labrador prior to its entry into Confederation. As the Grenfell Mission's principal physician for over 25 years, Dr Paddon travelled extensively throughout Labrador by both dog team and boat. Through his journals he fashions a portrait of Labrador society in accord with the traditional rhythms of trapping and fishing, as it was before the onset of industrial development. He also chronicles the demands of northern medicine in response to pervasive threats such as tuberculosis and deficiency diseases, including a moving description of...